Women

The Women’s Office of Linz represents the interests of all women in the city and aims to attain real equality for women and men in all societal areas of the city. It develops and supports measures to counteract structural discrimination against women.

In order to achieve equality, outdated role models have to be done away with and there must be a new understanding of women in society. At the communal level targeted measures are taken to provide information about, enhance consciousness of and sensitize people to concerns of women.

Areas of concern and focal points of the Women’s Office

The main function of the Women’s Office is to work for the political implementation of the concerns, needs and wishes of the women who live in Linz.

As the contact office for matters concerning women, the Women’s Office tries to get in touch with the female inhabitants of the city and establishes contacts with facilities for women as well as with female representatives of relevant facilities and women who are involved in politics.

Its duties and offerings also comprise free-time activities as well as the organization of events.

The Women’s Office supports projects and provides counseling during the development of specific initiatives.

Female-specific concerns are dealt with on the International Women’s Day (8 March), on the occasion of the awarding of the Women’s Prize, on the International Day against Violence toward Women (25 November), on the Equal Pay Day (the date is determined each year on the basis of the discrepancy between men’s and women’s wages) and when the “Marianne von Willemer” Prize is bestowed.

Important service facilities for women in Linz

Counseling facilities for immigrants

maiz – autonomic center for immigrants, operated by immigrants Maiz is an association of immigrants which aims to improve the legal and social situation of immigrants in Austria. It offers a comprehensive educational and counseling program. Its primary goal is to improve the living and working situation of immigrants in Austria.

Migrare – center for immigrants in Upper Austria It offers comprehensive free counseling for people with immigration backgrounds in a number of different languages as well as educational endeavors and projects. Humboldtstraße 49, 4020 Linz Tel.: +43 732 667363 66office@migration.atwww.migration.at

Jobs and qualifications

VFQ Ltd. For Women and Qualifications. The aim of VFQ is to improve the situation of women and immigrants in the job market. This is done with the help of counseling, qualifying measures and training. Fröbelstraße 16, 4020 Linz Tel.: +43 732 658759office@vfq.atwww.vfq.at

VSG Woman – Counseling for Job Applications and for Qualifying “Woman“ offers free counseling for women in Linz who want information in the areas of jobs, education and social security. It gives them individual coaching and helps them develop solution strategies.

Facilities for protection against violence

Gewaltschutzzentrum Oberösterreich (Violence Protection Center of Upper Austria) The Center for Protection against Violence offers free and confidential counseling as well as support for women subjected to violence in their families or social surroundings. It also offers consultations for victims of stalking. Stockhofstraße 40, 4020 Linz Tel.: +43 732 607760ooe@gewaltschutzzentrum.atwww.gewaltschutzzentrum.at/ooe

Frauen-Helpline gegen Gewalt (Women’s helpline against Violence) Counseling around the clock, anonymous and free of charge; at certain times counseling in foreign languages is also offered. Tel.: +43 800 222555 (calls are free from anywhere in Austria)

autonomes Frauenzentrum (aFZ) (Autonomous Women’s Center (aFZ)) Information, counseling and continuing support in cases of sexual violence, immediate help over the phone and personally for girls and women who have been or are being subjected to sexual violence (physical and psychological violence, sexual molestation, attack, coercion, abuse, rape). It also offers legal counseling free of charge on matters concerning relationships, partnership, separation and divorce. Besides, the aFZ provides help for women over the phone or in person. For personal counseling appointments must be made by phone. Starhembergstraße 10, Corner of Mozartstraße, 2nd floor, 4020 Linz Emergency Telephone: +43 732 602200hallo@frauenzentrum.atwww.frauenzentrum.at

Women’s House of Linz

The Women’s House of Linz offers round the clock, immediate, unbureaucratic help for women who are threatened or have been abused. It gives them protection, lodging (protected living area), food and counseling. The employees of the women’s houses counsel and support their clients in official matters, questions of financial support and child custody, divorce as well as finding jobs and apartments. Postfach 1084, 4021 Linz Tel.: +43 732 606700office@frauenhaus-linz.atwww.frauenhaus-linz.at

Counseling Offices for Women engaged in sex work

People who work or have worked in the area of prostitution receive counseling and support from the counseling office LENA andthe association maiz – the autonomous center for immigrants, run by immigrants.

Self-defense courses

Certain institutions offer self-defense courses that are especially designed for girls and women. They are free of charge. The Women’s Office of Linz will be glad to inform you about the ones that are currently being held.